The American Blockbuster - by Benjamin Crace (Paperback)

About the Book

Providing an indispensable resource for students and general readers, this book serves as an entry point for a conversation on America's favorite pastime, focusing in on generational differences and the evolution of American identity.

Book Synopsis

"Without exception, the essays are accessible, insightful, and entertaining." - Booklist

Providing an indispensable resource for students and general readers, this book serves as an entry point for a conversation on America's favorite pastime, focusing in on generational differences and the evolution of American identity. In an age marked by tension and division, Americans of all ages and backgrounds have turned to film to escape the pressures of everyday life. Yet, beyond escapism, popular cinema is both a mirror and microscope for our collective psyche. Examining the films that have made billions of dollars through a new lens reveals that popular culture is a vital source for understanding what it means to be an American.

This book is divided into four sections, each associated with a different generation. Featuring such era-defining hits as Jaws, Back to the Future, Avatar, and The Avengers, each section presents detailed film analyses that showcase the consistency of certain American values throughout generations as well as the constant renegotiation of others. Ideal for any cinephile, The American Blockbuster demonstrates how complex and meaningful even the summer blockbuster can be.

Review Quotes

The concepts and sheer volume of film analyses... could easily be incorporated in media studies coursework. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.
Choice

The satisfying treatments and thoughtful commentary will appeal to upper-secondary and academic film students, and all movie buffs should enjoy the unique generational approach.
Booklist

About the Author

Benjamin Crace, PhD, is assistant professor of English at the American University of Kuwait.